Everything you need to know to set sail

Location

• Where are you located?

  Based on the Redland’s Coast, we are conveniently situated just 30km from Brisbane and the airport. The Gold Coast is 75km away, and the Sunshine Coast is 130km. Depending on the season and your chosen cruise, we also have other departure locations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

• Where do you leave from?

  Our cruises depart from the public pontoon at Raby Bay Harbour Park, directly opposite the Raby Bay Marina. This parkland is conveniently situated between the Cleveland public transport area and the dining and business complex at Raby Bay Harbour.

  We also offer departure locations in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, depending on the season and your chosen cruise.

• Is there public transportation close by?

  There are many ways to get to our departure location. The Cleveland Train Station and Bus Stop are a few metres away from this location.

• Where is the best place to park?

  Free street parking is available. Please check signage for any time limits or restrictions.

• What is the best drop off and pickup location?

  To reach our Cleveland location, Harbour View Court is the ideal spot for drop-offs and pickups if you’re arriving by taxi, Uber, limousine, or bus.

General

• Are the charters suitable for children and the elderly?

  Yes. All ages are welcome. However, children must be accompanied and supervised by parents at all times.

• What water activities are available?

  You can enjoy swimming, relaxing on the aqua mat, floating with a pool noodle, and stand-up paddleboarding on our day cruises. Plus, our vessel, Aria, offers boomnetting for even more fun!

• Will we see any marine life?

  Every cruise is a unique experience and with marine life there is no guarantee of sightings.

• Do you have snorkeling equipment?

  No, we do not. However, you are welcome to bring your own.

• Are there minimum numbers required to depart for a public charter?

  Yes, for our ticketed charters, we need a minimum of 12 passengers to sail.

• How many passengers can be on the boat?

  Aria – 40 passengers
  Dream On – 20 Passengers

• Does a baby need a ticket?

  Infants up to 12 months old will still require a ticket for our passenger records. Tickets for children cover ages 0-12 years.

• Is there a dress code?

  Comfortable clothing is recommended. Black, hard-soled shoes or high heels cannot be worn on the boat as that type of footwear can damage the boat. The boat may require that shoes be removed before boarding so we recommend easy to remove footwear.

• What do I need to pack?

  We recommend that you bring what you would take to the beach. Hat, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimmers, walking shoes, jacket, and change of clothes if you are going on an island cruise.

  For our sunset cruises, we advise you may need a jacket in case it gets cool as the sun sets while we are out on the water.

• Do people get seasick?

  We prioritise your comfort and safety by avoiding outings in adverse weather, which significantly reduces the likelihood of seasickness. Our catamaran is designed for stability, sits close to the water to minimise rocking, and allows for excellent air circulation.

  For our Gold Coast whale watching cruise, we recommend consulting a medical professional about preventive measures for seasickness. If you do feel unwell during the cruise, please let our crew know, and they will be happy to assist you.

• Can we play music on the boat?

  Aria has an excellent sound system and during private charters, song requests can be played.

• Are decorations allowed?

  You are more than welcome to bring decorations for your private charter. We do not have  balloons on the vessel as they can interfere with the skippers view and are also an environmental risk.

• Is there wheelchair access?

  Unfortunately, our vessel at this time does not have an area suitable for a wheelchair. Aria’s crew members are always available to assist anyone with mobility needs to board and move around the vessel. Please note there are steps to access the toilets.

• Do you have life jackets?

  Yes, the boat is fully equipped with all necessary safety equipment, including emergency life jackets for everyone. These life jackets are intended for emergency use only and are not suitable for wearing during the cruise.

  For children or those who are not confident swimmers, you can purchase appropriate life jackets for your day trip from stores such as Anaconda or BCF if needed.

Catering

• Is food included?

  Our sailing cruises to Peel Island include a delicious main meal and either morning or afternoon tea at no additional cost. Please note that meals are served at specific times during the cruise, so you are welcome to bring snacks if you’d like something to enjoy in between.

  For our sunset cruises, we offer a selection of delightful canapés.

  We are happy to accommodate dietary requests when possible. Additionally, you may bring your own food onboard, though please note that there are no cooking or cooling facilities available for passengers. Kindly inform us of any food requirements at the time of booking.

  Aboard Dream On, you can bring your own food or opt for a food package for an additional fee on top of the base charter price. For more information on catering options for Dream On, please contact us.

  For bringing your own food aboard Dream On, we highly recommend hassle-free options like premade rolls, sandwiches, and wraps. Nibbles such as fruit platters, cheese, and sushi are also great choices!

• Are BYO drinks allowed?

  Our vessel Aria is a fully licensed venue, so BYO drinks are strictly prohibited. We offer a fantastic selection of reasonably priced drinks on board, allowing you to enjoy cold beverages without the hassle of shopping or transporting them.

  Aboard Dream On, BYO drinks are welcome! We provide an esky in your charter price, but please note that straight spirits and red wine are not permitted. We kindly ask our guests to drink responsibly, as this is a condition of our cruise.

• Can different beverages that are not on the drinks list be added?

  Yes, we offer customised drinks packages for private charters aboard Aria. Please note that red wine is not permitted due to the risk of staining the decks and seat cushions.

  Our pricing for drinks packages is comparable to other licensed venues.

• Is there an option to have a bar tab?

  Yes, a bar tab is recommended for private charters on Aria.

• Can I bring a cake?

  Yes, you can bring a cake for any of your celebrations on a private charter only.

Weather

• What happens when the weather is not suitable?

  Weather plays an imperative part in boating and our crew are continually checking the reports and taking into consideration many differing factors, such as the cruise location, wind strength and direction, tides and currents, and any predictions of rain or storms by monitoring different weather information networks.

  As the weather can change from day to day and even by the hour so that on a rare occasion, postponement could be just before boarding or during the commencement of a cruise. So it is advised that you always have your phone with you and be prepared for any last minute changes.

• When and how will I be notified about the weather?

  While we don’t like to postpone, we prefer that you have the best possible experience. If the skipper believes that the conditions will be uncomfortable or unsafe, a team member will contact you as soon as possible via the mobile and email details you provided at the time of booking.